Multiple condiment dispensing unit



June 16, 1959 R. HORLAND 2,

MULTIPLE CONDIMENT DISPENSING UNIT Filed April 15, 1958 s Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. RICHARD HORLAND June 16, 1959 R. HORLAND MULTIPLE CONDIMENT DISPENSING UNIT 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 15, 1958 RICHARD HORLAND June 16, 1959 R. HORLAND MULTIPLE CONDIMENT DISPENSING UNIT 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 15, 1958 INVE NTOR. RICHARD HORLAND BY I J1 from Er United States Patent MULTIPLE CONDIMENT DISPENSING UNIT Richard Horland, West Orange, NJ.

Application April 15, 1958, Serial No. 728,572 11 Claims. (Cl. ZZZ-142.3)

This invention relates generally to dispensers. More particularly, the invention has reference to a condiment dispenser adapted to hold a plurality of containers, in each of which there may be provided a different spice, condiment, or the like, so that all said containers are kept in close proximity to each other so as to be readily accessible for use, with the construction being such that the selected condiment can be dispensed to the exclusion of other spices or condiments.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a generally improved multiple condiment dispenser, comprising an attractive, unitary assembly, in which are compactly housed a plurality of containers, the number of which may be varied according to the desires of the particular manufacturer.

Another object is to provide a novel formation and relative arrangement of the various components of the device, such that the discharge opening of any selected container can be swiftly registered with a perforated area of a valve plate, in a manner whereby condiments may be dispensed from the selected container, with said plate and other components of the device closing the discharge openings of the remaining containers.

Another object is to provide a device of the character stated wherein the condiment holders will have a novel shape, such that a plurality of containers cooperate in forming a circular, generaly cylindrical assembly, eliminating waste area to the maximum extent.

A further object of importance is to provide a multiple condiment dispensing unit, so designed that an individual container may be swiftly removed, for refilling, or for interchange with other, similarly shaped containers holding different condiments.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a condiment holder, embodying one form of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device, parts being shown broken away.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view through the device, substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 1, parts being shown broken away.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the same scale as Fig. 3, taken transversely through the unit substantially on line 4--4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. l of a multiple condiment dispensing unit embodying a modified form of the invention, the cover being shown detached.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view through the dispensing unit of Fig. 5 taken substantially on line 66 of Fig. 5, the cover being shown in place.

, 2,890,816 Patented June 16, 1959 Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on the plane of the line 7-7 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the top portion of a modified form of condiment container.

Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of a modified form of retaining cover for the dispensing unit of Fig. 5.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the multiple dispensing unit constituting the present invention is preferably formed of suitable resilient plastic material and comprises a cylindrically shaped, upstanding housing generally designated 10, formed open at both ends as shown in Fig. 3.

The housing 10 includes a side wall 12 tapering slightly in an upward direction, and marked upon the side wall, at uniformly spaced locations about the circumference thereof, are indicia 14 indicating various spices and condiments, as for example salt, pepper, nutmeg, etc. In the illustrated example, there are six of the legends or indicia 14, since there are six spice and condiment containers, each of which is to be registered with a corresponding legend 14. In various commercial embodiments, the number of condiment containers can be varied, and there would be, for example, four, eight, etc., as well as the six illustrated.

In any event, integrally formed on the lower end of the side wall 12 are depending legs 16, each of which is of wide formation, the legs being angularly spaced circumferentially of the side wall correspondingly to the spacing of the legends 14, so that each leg is in registration with a legend 14. Legs 16, at their lower extremities, are formed with inwardly directed lips 18, forming ledges on which the condiment containers are supported.

In the outer surface of the side wall 12 there is provided, medially between the opposite extremities of the housing, a continuous retaining groove 20, and on the upper end of the side wall, there are formed upwardly projecting tongues 22, the upper extremities of which are formed with inwardly directed retaining flanges 24. The tongues are angularly spaced circumferentially of the housing, in a position such that each retaining flange 24 is in engagement with the upper end of a condiment container 26. In other words, the flanges 24 are aligned longitudinally of the housing with the lips 18, so that each container 26 is engaged at its upper end against a flange 24, and at its lower end against a lip 18.

The condiment containers 26, in the illustrated example, are of segmental shape in cross section, with each container extending over an angular distance of A5 of the circumference of the housing. The particular shape of the container 26 in cross section will depend, of course, on the number of containers provided in the particular multiple unit, so that if there are four condiment containers, each would extend an angmlar distance of ninety degrees, etc.

In any event, each container 26 is of elongated formation, having a bottom wall 28 (see Fig. 3), which bottom wall may be fixedly secured to the lower end of the side wall 29 of the container 26. Alternatively, the bottom wall 28 may be removable, to facilitate refilling of the container. This would permit the containers 26 to be refilled without removal from the housing, but whenever they are removed, they can be refilled through their dispensing openings 30.

The dispensing openings 30 are each of segmental shape in the illustrated example, corresponding in shape to the cross-sectional shape of the container, though being substantially smaller in cross-sectional area. Each opening 30 is rimmed by an upstanding rib or lip 32, comprising a positioning lip that serves the purpose of properly positioning the container 26 in respect to a retaining plate that overlies the containers.

The containers 26 are formed on their outer surfaces with legends 34 corresponding to the legends 14, so that each container may be properly positioned within the housing.

The containers 26 are gradually, progressively increasedin cross-sectional area in a direction toward their lower ends, and the legs 16 of housing are of a springable nature, so that any container 26 may be removed by springing a leg 16 outwardly a slight distance to disengage the retaining lip 18 from the container, after which the container slides downwardly out of the housing. Insertion of the container is accomplished merely by extending the same upwardly within the housing, until the lip 18 springs into place below the container bottom.

The container retaining plate has been generally designated 36 and is of inverted cup shape, having a fiat, circular body portion 38 integral at its periphery with a depending skirt 40. At one location on the circumference of the retaining plate, there is :formed a large opening or recess 42, extending within the skirt and also within the adjacent, marginal part of the body portion 38.

The purpose of the opening 42 is to permit access to any container 26, for the purpose of manually exerting a pressure thereagainst tending to shift the same downwardly when it is to be removed from the housing. The retaining plate 36 is rotatably mounted over the top of the flanges 24 on tongues 22 of the housing 10 and can thus be rotated upon the housing, to bring the opening 42 abreast of the selected container 26 that is to be removed.

At the lower end of the skirt 40, there is provided an internal rib or bead 44, said rib or bead engaging in the groove 20 (see Fig. 3). The retaining plate is adapted for formation from resilient plastic or a similar material. Hence, the skirt can be of a slightly springable nature, so as to permit the bead to spring into and out of the groove 20.

On the underside of the body portion 38 of the retaining plate, there is formed, adjacent the periphery thereof, an annular, continuous rib 46, adapted to engage the outside walls of the lips 32 (see Fig. 4). Centrally formed on the underside of the body portion 38 of the retaining plate is a circular, low boss 48, peripherally contacting the inner walls of the lips 32, again as best shown in Fig. 4.

Thus, lips 32 cooperate with rib 46 and with boss 48 in properly positioning and interlocking the housing, containers 26, and retaining plate 36.

At one location on the body portion 38 of the retaining plate, preferably diametrically opposite the opening 42, there is provided a segmentally shaped opening 50, registrable with any selected discharge opening 30 of the containers 26.

For the purpose of facilitating rotation of the retaining plate 36, the retaining plate is provided with a pair of upwardly projecting lugs 52, extending radially of the retaining plate and angularly spaced apart a distance corresponding to the angular distance each container 26 extends about the housing. The lugs 52 are symmetrically disposed in respect to and are diametrically opposite the opening 50. Thus, one can grasp the lugs 52 between the thumb and the index finger, and rotate the retaining plate upon the housing, to locate the opening 50 in registration with a selected container 26 from which condiments .are .toibe dispensed.

ment is dispensed. At opposite sides of the area contain- .ing perforations 60 there are segmental blank knockout aIeas.62, which are imperforate, and which are ordinarily not used, unless it is preferred to permit dispensing of two condiments simultaneously, in which event one or the other of the areas 62 is knocked out, each of the areas 62 being circumscribed by a weakened line. In Figs. 1 and 2, one of the areas 62 is shown knocked out. The same arrangement is provided in the retaining plate 36, which has imperforate knockout areas 63 bounded by weakened lines to permit the same to be knocked out if desired.

On the underside of the valve plate 54, there is provided a boss 64 engaging in a shallow, centrally disposed recess 66 of retaining plate 36, to mount the valve plate for rotation relative to the retaining plate.

Designated at 68 is a hold-down ring, of split formation, having an inverted L-shape in cross section as seen in Fig. 3, the ends of the ring being spaced apart as at 7%). The ring snaps into place, in overlying relation to the valve plate, to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate 36. Engaging the arcuate outer edge of the valve plate 54 is a bottom rib 72 of the hold-down ring (see Fig. 3).

In use of the device, the containers 26 are all inserted into the housing and are held assembled With the housing by the lips 24 and 18. The retaining plate 36 is then applied thereover, and may be rotated as desired to permit dispensing of the container contents from a selected container 26. The valve plate 54 is registered with the opening 50 whenever the contents are to be dispensed, but the valve plate can be moved out of registration whenever it is desired to close the opening 50.

In addition, the lugs 52 limit the rotation of the valve plate in opposite directions, to an extent such that in every position of the valve plate, it is in overlying relation to the opening 50, so that the opening 50 cannot be completely uncovered.

The device has, of course, the desirable characteristic wherein it permits the contents of a large number of spice and condiment containers to be readily available, at all times, with the several containers being compactly assembled in a single dispensing unit. Ordinarily, a housewife maintains spices and various condiments in a large number of small individual packets or containers, the result of which is that it is often quite difficult to locate a particular spice or condiment that is to be dispensed. The invention eliminates these difiiculties, as will be readily understood.

Referring now to the modification of the invention shown in Figs. 5-7, in this form, the housing 10 is formed of the same material and is of the same shape as the form of invention shown in Figs. 1-4. The wider bottom end of the housing is formed With inwardly extending flanges or lips 18' and the narrower top end is formed with similar flanges or lips 24. Inverted V- shaped notches 74 are formed in the bottom end of the housing providing legs 16' therebetween. The top end of the holder is formed with a series of equally spaced openings 75 intersecting the top end edge thereof. Intermediate the top and bottom of the housing, a circumferential groove 20' is formed in the periphery of the body thereof.

The housing 10 is molded with a series of equally spaced deformations in the body thereof forming elongated grooves 77 on its .outer surface and opposed elongated wedge-shaped protuberances 78 on its inner surface. The grooves and protuberances are V-shaped in cross section and extend from the top end edge of the housing to the top of the notches 74, intersecting the circumferential groove 20' and intersecting the top end edge of the housing providing V-shaped notches 79 thereat. The elongated grooves and protuberances define spaces for positioning the condiment containers 26 inside the housing and such spaces may be indicated by suitable indicia 14 on the outer surface of the housing 10.

The condiment containers 26' are each substantially triangular in cross section, with the narrow end preferably pointed and the corners beveled. The top wall 30 of the container is flat and is provided with a plurality of outlet perforations 81 and the joints between the top wall and side walls of the container are preferably beveled as indicated at 82. The narrow end of the top wall is secured to the side walls of the container but the wider end of said top wall and for a distance on each side thereof inwardly is not secured to the container body but is held in position by means of an enlarged grooved portion 73 snapped over the top beveled edge 82 of the wide end of the top wall of the container as shown in Fig. 6. This wider end of the top wall may be detached and raised to permit the container to be filled with condiment.

When the containers 26 are in their respective positions inside the housing and seated on the flanges 18 and interlocked with the top flanges 24, the beveled portions 82 of the adjacent containers 26' define V-shaped grooves between the adjacent containers, which grooves are in line with the V-shaped notches 79 in the top end edge of the housing.

In this form, an inverted cup-shaped retaining cover 84 is provided for covering the open top of the housing, for retaining the condiment containers 26' in operative position and for providing a discharge outlet for the contents of the containers. The cover is formed with a flat body portion 85 having a downwardly extending peripheral skirt 86. An inwardly extending flange or lip 87 is formed on the free end of the skirt. The body portion 85 is formed with a radially extending discharge opening or outlet 88 extending from a point about the center thereof to the periphery thereof and intersecting the skirt portion 86 and continuing intoa recess 89 in the skirt portion. Angle guide rails 90 are provided along the edges of the discharge opening 88. A slidable closure plate 91 is provided for closing the discharge opening and is slidab'ly guided by the rails. A handle 92 is formed on one end of the plate for manipulating the same. The plate may have indicia on its top surface to indicate the direction of movement necessary for opening and closing the discharge opening.

The cover 84 is rotatably mounted on the top of the housing 10' with its inwardly extending flange 87 extending into the groove 20'. The cover is molded with opposed deformations on its fiat body portion 85 and skirt portion 86, such deformations providing elongated V- shaped grooves 94 on the outer surface and intersecting and continuing downwardly over the outer surface of the skirt portion, and providing opposed wedge-shaped protuberances 95 on the inner surface of the body portion continuing downwardly on the inner surface of the skirt portion. The cover protuberances 95 are for the purpose of aligning the cover with the notches 79 and grooves 77 in the housing 10 whereby the discharge opening 88 in the cover may be brought directly over the perforated top walls of the condiment containers 26'. The cover protuberances 95 serve yieldingly to hold the cover in moved adjusted position.

In using this particular form of dispensing unit, the closure plate 91 is slid outwardly a distance sufficient to expose the perforations 81 in the top wall of the selected container 26. When it is desired to use a different condiment, the cover 84 is manually rotated to bring its outlet opening 88 to the desired container 26, the inherent resiliency of the material of the cover and housing permitting the protuberances to ride out of the grooves for this operation.

In Fig. 8, a modified form of condiment container 26" is illustrated having a triangular shaped body in cross section and having a top wall 97 formed with an opening 98 therein. The opening is closed by a perforated strip 99 of resilient plastic material or other suitable material, one end of the strip being fastened to the narrow end of the body of the container. The other end of the strip carries a catch member 100 in position to snap over a lug or keeper 101 formed on the top wide end of the container at its center whereby the strip is releasably held in closed 6 position. This construction permits ready filling of the container with condiment.

A removable plastic cover 102 may be provided for covering the perforated top of the container when not in use.

The modified form of retaining cover 105 shown in Fig. 9 differs from the form of cover shown in Fig. 5 in that, the cover is not formed with grooves and protuberances and instead of a rectangular-shaped discharge opening, it is formed with a substantially V-shaped discharge opening 106 extending from substantially the center thereof radially to the periphery and downwardly a short distance along the adjacent area of the skirt portion 107. The discharge opening 106 is closed by a plastic cover plate 108 of substantially the same shape as the discharge opening. The inner end of the plate is hinged to the body of the cover as indicated at 109 and its outer end is formed with a handle 110 for lifting the cover plate out of the opening and for replacing the same when desired.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

l. A multiple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selected container, a valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the retaining plate, and a hold-down ring overlying the valve plate to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate and housing.

2. A multiple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing, a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selected container, a valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the replate to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate and housing, said housing having abutments at opposite ends thereof engageable with corresponding ends of the several containers to hold the containers within the housing.

3. A multiple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing, a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selected container, a valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the retaining plate, and a hold-down ring overlying the valve plate to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate and housing, said housing having abutments at opposite ends thereof engageable with corresponding ends of the several containers to hold the containers within the housing, said J containers being segmentally shaped in cross section, the several containers interfitting to provide a circular container assembly.

4. A multiple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing, a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selected container, a valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the retaining plate, and a hold-down ring overlying the valve plate to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate and housing, said housing having abutments at posite ends thereof engageable with corresponding ends of the several containers to hold the containers within the housing, said containers being segmentally shaped in cross section, the several containers interfitting to provide a circular container assembly, said abutments being angularly spaced about the circumference of the housing correspondingly to the angular distance each container extends along the Wall of the housing.

5. A multiple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing, a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selected container, a valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the retaining plate, and a hold-down ring overlying the valve plate to hold the same assembled With the retaining plate and housing, said housing having abutments at opposite ends thereof engageable with corresponding ends of the several containers to hold the containers within the housing, said containers being segmentally shaped in cross section, the several containers interfitting to provide a circular container assembly, said abutments being angularly spaced about the circumference of the housing correspondingly to the angular distance each container extends along the Wall of the housing, the housing having an external cicumferential groove, the retaining plate being formed with a depending skirt having a bead engaged in said groove to hold the retaining plate assembled with the housing.

6VA mulitple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing, a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selected container, a valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the retaining plate, and a hold-down ring overlying the valve plate to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate and housing, the valve plate having a semicircular configuration.

7. A mulitple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing, a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selected container, 21 valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the retaining plate, and a hold-down ring overlying the valve plate to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate and housing, the valve plate having a semicircular configuration, the retaining plate being of circular configuration and having lugs spaced angularly about its center in the path of movement of the valve plate, to hold the valve plate against rotation through a full 360, the valve plate in all positions to which it is rotated being in overlying relation to the opening in the retaining plate.

8. A multiple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing, a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selected container, a valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the retaining plate, and a hold-down ring overlying the valve plate to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate and housing, the valve plate having a semicircular configuration, the retaining plate being of circular configuration and having lugs spaced angularly about its center in the path of movement of the valve plate, to hold the valve plate against rotation through a full 360, the valve plate in all positions to which it is rotated being in overlying relation to the opening in the retaining plate, the several containers having upstanding ribs extending about the discharge openings thereof, the retaining plate having 21 depending outer guide rib in engagement with the ribs of the several containers to dispose the several containers in proper position in respect to the retaining plate.

9. A multiple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing, a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selected container, a valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the retaining plate, and a hold-down ring overlying the valve plate to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate and housing, the valve plate having a semicircular configuration, the retaining plate being of circular configuration and having lugs spaced angularly about its center in the path of movement of the valve plate, to hold the valve plate against rotation through a full 360, the valve plate in all positions to which it is rotated being in overlying relation to the opening in the retaining plate, the several containers having upstanding ribs extending about the discharge openings thereof, the retaining plate having a depending outer guide rib in engagement with the ribs of the several containers to dispose the several containers in proper position in respect to the retaining plate, said retaining plate having a centrally disposed, depending boss eugageable with the several ribs of the containers, the ribs of the containers being confined between the guide ribs and boss of the retaining plate.

10. A multiple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing, a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selected container, a. valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the retaining plate, and a hold-down ring overlying the valve plate to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate and housing, the valve plate having a semicircular configuration, the retaining plate being of circular configuration and having lugs spaced angularly about its center in the path of movement of the valve plate, to hold the valve plate against rotation through a full 360, the valve plate in all positions to which it is rotated being in overlying relation to the opening in the retaining plate, the several containers having upstanding ribs extending about the discharge openings thereof, the retaining plate having a depending outer guide rib in engagement with the ribs of the several containers to dispose the several containers in proper position in respect to the retaining plate, said retaining plate having a centrally disposed, depending boss engageable with the several ribs of the containers, the ribs of the containers being confined between the guide rib and boss of the retaining plate, the retaining plate having a centrally disposed recess, the valve plate having a depending boss rotatably engaging in said recess to mount the valve plate rotatably upon the retaining plate.

11. A multiple condiment dispensing unit comprising a housing, a plurality of condiment containers engaged therein, said containers having discharge openings at one end thereof, a retaining plate rotatable on the housing in overlying relation to the several containers, said retaining plate having an opening registrable with the discharge opening of a selective container, a valve plate supported on and rotatable relative to the retaining plate and housing, said valve plate having a perforated area registrable with said plate opening in selected positions to which the valve plate is rotated relative to the retaining plate, and a hold-down ring overlying the valve plate to hold the same assembled with the retaining plate and housing, the valve plate having a semicircular configuration, the valve plate having a rib extending upwardly from the straight edge thereof to provide a handle facilitating rotation of the valve plate.

No references cited. 

